A United Airlines flight destined for San Diego faced delays on Thursday when a live bullet was unexpectedly discovered before the plane’s departure from Denver. The incident resulted in all passengers being asked to leave the aircraft while security conducted a thorough sweep.
United Flight 1302 was moments away from taking off at Denver International Airport when this unexpected find was made during standard pre-flight checks. The discovery, reported by FOX31 Denver, which coincidentally had one of its news team members on board, halted preparations just as the aircraft was ready to head to the runway.
“The unfortunate news is that we’ve discovered a live round on board,” stated an airline representative. “This poses a significant security concern, requiring all passengers to leave the aircraft immediately.”
An image of a United Airlines plane at Denver International Airport from March 23, 2026, provides context. A similar United Airlines aircraft was delayed on August 13 when a live bullet was found onboard before takeoff. (Photo credit: Al Drago/Getty Images)
Passengers were instructed to disembark the Boeing 737-900, taking their carry-on luggage with them, as security teams undertook an intensive search of the plane.
“We need everybody to deplane the aircraft with your carry-on bags. We’re going to have to carry out a security sweep of the aircraft after the plane is empty,” the speaker said. “We apologize for this.”
The crew said at the time that it did not know how the bullet got aboard the aircraft or where it came from, according to FOX31.
United Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement to News Media.
Travelers move through a concourse at Denver International Airport. A United Airlines flight departing Denver was delayed Thursday after a live bullet was discovered aboard the aircraft. (Denver International Airport)
“United flight 1302 from Denver to San Diego underwent a security sweep after a bullet was discovered on board prior to the flight’s departure,” a spokesperson wrote. “Security personnel cleared the aircraft, which later departed for San Diego.”
United said the Boeing 737-900 was carrying 178 passengers and six crew members. The airline directed additional questions about the incident to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Flight 1302 had been scheduled to depart Denver at about 1:25 p.m. It took off at about 3:41 p.m., more than two hours after its scheduled departure, according to FOX31.
It was not immediately clear who the bullet belonged to or how it ended up on the aircraft.
A United Airlines Boeing 737-900 at Newark Liberty International Airport Jan. 15, 2026. A United 737-900 carrying 178 passengers underwent a security sweep in Denver Aug. 13 after a live bullet was found aboard the plane. (Al Drago/Getty Images)
News Media reached out to TSA and Denver International Airport for additional information.